ASSISTANT FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

The Assistant Financial Controller supports the Financial Controller in overseeing the station's financial operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance, and effective management of financial resources.

Job Title:                               Assistant Financial Controller   

Department Name:             Accounts  

 Working Hours:                   9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (On Call)

You may be required to work on a weekend due to the nature of your job; you may also be called upon to attend work in cases of natural disasters and states of emergencies and holidays.         

Reporting Relationship:   Directly to the Financial Controller and Indirectly to the Managing Director 

Job Objective/Summary

The Assistant Financial Controller supports the Financial Controller in overseeing the station's financial operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance, and effective management of financial resources. The role involves assisting in the management of daily accounting functions, payroll administration, budget preparation, and financial analysis while ensuring adherence to financial policies and regulatory requirements.

Working Condition

Environment

Work is performed in various conditions including the standard office environment and the field open to natural elements. Work hours are flexible and long. You must however understand that 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Mondays to Fridays belong to the company and must be accounted for. The company reserves the right to plan station activities approved by the company between 9:00 am – 5: 00 pm Mondays – Fridays and make them mandatory at short notice.

Physical  

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work both in an office and on the road (in the field). To sit or stand for prolonged periods; to walk several meters at a time when doing fieldwork. To occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch reach, and twist; to lift carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation.

Summary of Duties:

Duties and Responsibilities

Management

• Assist in maintaining a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.
• Support the Financial Controller in overseeing the accounting department’s operations, including helping design an organizational structure that aligns with departmental goals.
• Assist in managing the accounting operations of subsidiary businesses, such as the station's website or other investments.
• Assist the Financial Controller in the monitoring of staff and maintaining staff performance by supporting coaching, counseling, and, if necessary, disciplining employees; assisting in planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.

 Transactions

•       Ensure that accounts payable are processed and paid promptly.
• Assist in securing reasonable discounts on accounts payable.
• Support in managing accounts receivable to ensure timely collection.
• Ensure bank reconciliations are done daily and on time.
• Help ensure that all debt payments are made on time or coordinate with the Financial Controller in preparing an approved payment plan.
• Maintain an orderly accounting filing system.
• Support the Financial Controller in maintaining a system of controls over accounting transactions.

Reporting

•   Assist in preparing and issuing timely and complete financial statements.
• Help coordinate the preparation of the annual financial report.
• Support the Financial Controller in recommending benchmarks to measure company performance.
• Assist in calculating and issuing financial and operating metrics.
• Help manage the production of the annual budget and financial forecasts.
• Assist in calculating variances from the budget and reporting significant issues to the Financial Controller and management.
• Support the preparation of management cost reports.
• Provide financial analysis as needed, particularly for capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of accurate financial statements and reports, ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Compliance

• Assist in coordinating the provision of information to external auditors during the annual audit.
• Help monitor debt levels and compliance with debt covenants.
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance with government reporting requirements and tax filings.
• Assist in compliance with legal requirements by staying informed about relevant legislation and regulations; and advising the Financial Controller on necessary actions

Payroll Preparation and Administration

• Assist in preparing and processing payroll to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Support the HR team in negotiating and managing employee insurance and benefits plans.
• Ensure timely processing and submission of statutory and benefits remittances

Budget Preparation

• Help prepare the annual budget in consultation with the Financial Controller and Managing Director.
• Assist heads of departments (HODs) with preparing their respective budgets.

Additional Accountabilities

• Assist in documenting and maintaining complete and accurate supporting information for all financial transactions.
• Help develop and maintain financial accounting systems, including cash management and petty cash.
• Assist in managing the cash flow and prepare cash flow forecasts in line with company policy.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure the security of financial and personnel information.
• Provide timely and accurate financial reports on the financial activity of individual projects.
• Assist in protecting the company's assets by enforcing and monitoring internal controls.
• Help monitor the company’s financial condition by conducting periodic audits.
• Stay up to date with professional knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in relevant professional societies.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial information and plans.

 This job description outlines the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Assistant Financial Controller role. The role may evolve as needed to align with the company’s financial and strategic objectives.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Requirements:

Formal Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Progress toward professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, or CMA is preferred.

Experience

•  A minimum of 3-5 years of accounting or finance experience, preferably within the media, broadcasting, or entertainment industries.

Skills

• Financial Reporting – Expertise in preparing accurate financial statements, reports, and budgets.
• Accounting Software Proficiency – Competency in using financial software (e.g., ERP systems, QuickBooks, or SAP).
• Budgeting & Forecasting – Ability to assist in the creation of budgets and financial forecasts.
• Analytical Skills – Strong capability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and interpret complex financial information.
• Attention to Detail – Ensuring accuracy in all financial records, transactions, and reports.
• Regulatory Compliance – Knowledge of tax laws, accounting regulations (GAAP/IFRS), and adherence to legal standards.
• Payroll Management – Experience in managing payroll processes and benefits administration.
• Cash Flow Management – Skills in monitoring and forecasting cash flow to ensure operational liquidity.
• Problem-Solving – Ability to identify financial discrepancies and provide effective solutions.
• Communication Skills – Proficient in explaining financial information to non-financial stakeholders and writing detailed reports.

Key Competencies

• Financial Acumen – Strong understanding of financial management principles, accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS), and the ability to analyze financial data to make informed decisions.
• Adaptability and Flexibility – Ability to adapt to changes in financial reporting standards, business needs, and regulatory environments, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement.
• Attention to Detail – Precision in preparing financial reports, budgets, and forecasts, ensuring accuracy in every transaction and document processed.
• Analytical Thinking – Ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and provide insights that contribute to improving the station's financial performance.
• Problem-Solving Skills – Capable of identifying financial discrepancies or issues and resolving them efficiently while ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Time Management – Ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing effectively to meet reporting and compliance requirements.
• Leadership and Team Collaboration – Ability to support and mentor junior finance staff while working collaboratively across departments to achieve organizational financial goals.
• Communication Skills – Strong written and verbal communication abilities, essential for reporting financial data to management, working with external auditors, and collaborating with department heads.
• Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge – In-depth understanding of tax laws, financial regulations, and reporting requirements, ensuring the company stays compliant with all legal obligations.
• Confidentiality and Integrity – Upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior, ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive financial information and fostering trust within the organization.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only shortlisted candidates with the relevant experience and qualifications will be contacted.